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New fic here.... and it is promising to be another ridiculously long one.

Despite Sokka's protests, the Fire Lord was determined to make his ambassador's twenty-first birthday an affair to remember. That meant inviting everyone they knew and plenty of people that they didn't – it was, after all, important not to accidentally offend any minor official who could become a major problem given the right insult. It also involved an excessive amount of food (both Water Tribe and Fire Nation inspired) be prepared and drink acquired from only the finest domestic wineries. Zuko suspected that Sokka's reluctance to be the center of such a large event would fade somewhat when he stood before the lavish feast.

It was getting dangerously close to the time scheduled for the celebration's commencing and there had been no sign of the ambassador. So, as the feast drew near, Zuko made his way to Sokka's chambers and was answered with a vaguely frustrated, "Come in," when he knocked. When he cracked the heavy door and peeked in, it occurred to him that he had not seen Sokka's room in such a state since the unpleasant misunderstanding that had him ready to leave the palace two years prior. It appeared that every article of clothing that Sokka had gathered over the years (which had to be more than most women Zuko knew) was littered around the room. The bed, the chairs, the chaise, the table were all inundated under some sort of torrential downpour of garments. Sokka himself was scowling critically at his reflection, dressed in Fire Nation-style finery cut from richly dyed blue fabrics.

With brow raised, and eyes sweeping the room, Zuko picked his way carefully over to the floor length mirror. He slipped up behind Sokka with a gentle smile and reached around his waist to straighten the cut of his robes. "You look great," he offered sincerely, catching Sokka's gaze in their reflection.

"Really?" Sokka hemmed. "I wasn't sure... I mean, if I should just go all out Water Tribe or one of the mixed get-ups. I like this one but Katara always gets so uppity about it. And I've never worn one around Dad, I have no idea what he'll think about it." He frowned at his reflection, eyes raking over the two-tone blue silk, the garment perfectly tailored to him. He blew at a beaded dreadlock that hung over his eye. "I just feel like it's a good gesture and sure, it's my party, but there's a whole lot of officials here to win points with and--"

"Sokka," Zuko interrupted, his arms snaking around to pull the other young man close. "If you like this one, then wear it. It suits you and you look... utterly distracting in it." He snuck a quick kiss to the side of Sokka's neck. "Besides... I heard that Aang talked your sister into wearing these flouncy Air Nomad styled robes that show off everything from here to here," he indicated the space between Sokka's jaw and the middle of his chest.

Blue eyes widened, still looking at their reflection while he leaned back faintly into Zuko's arms. "Oh?" He laughed a little. "Well. I guess Dad will have more important things to disapprove of. That's really kind of her."

"Mm," Zuko agreed, sharing in Sokka's quiet chuckle, a quick kiss at his ear. "Besides, if you wait too long before making your entrance, all the food may be gone!" It wasn't of course, strictly true, but Zuko knew the right sort of incentives to offer his companion. "We even managed to import sea prunes."

"Really?" The enthusiasm in Sokka's voice and expression seemed incongruous to sea prunes in Zuko's mind. But then again, he hadn't been raised on the tundra. Sokka turned in his arms, grinning sheepishly into Zuko's face and hooked his hands behind the Fire Lord's neck. "Thanks for arranging all this. I feel even more important than I actually am." A smirk.

"That's what being royalty is all about. Throwing birthday parties for ambassadors that rival those of kings." He cracked a smile then, his hands on Sokka's hip pulling him into a playful embrace. "Besides, you are important. That's why you get the party. The sea prunes though... you get those because I love you."

Sokka laughed, easily sinking into the familiar, warm balance of their embrace. He lifted a hand to smooth the silky, tight hair that led to Zuko's formal top knot, careful not to muss him in any way. Time had made them experts at sharing touches that left no sign when they parted ways. "It's good to know that your love has such a high value," he teased. "And high fiber."

"Hey, I care about your health too!" Zuko returned, the grin on his mouth belying any claimed affront. They shared a kiss then, only just hinting at the intimacies they might have shared then had there been the time. When Zuko pulled back, he found his fingers in Sokka's hair, mirroring the other's attention. "Wear it back tonight," he suggested, "Water Tribe style. It'll make your father happy to see."

"Mm," came the agreeable hum and finally (though not before one more quick kiss) he pulled away to finish getting ready. "I swear I'm almost done."

Zuko smiled and gave Sokka's hip a quick pinch before he was moving toward the door again. "I'll go make sure everything else is on schedule," he called, only a faint hint of teasing in his voice.

Sokka blew a raspberry as the door swung shut.

Only a short time later, the celebration turned out to be just as bustling and extravagant as it had promised to be. The ambassador was both pleased and chagrined when he was welcomed with applause from family, friends and dignitaries alike. His father and sister (just as scantily clad as Zuko had anticipated) embraced him and the festivities officially began. In the time before the meal was served, Sokka was diligent in his duty of making the rounds of the room to receive salutations, offer thanks for participation and strengthen connections between certain important figures that had gone to the trouble of making the trip to the palace. When involved in politics, there was no event that wasn't also work -- which was clearly evident in the fact that between Aang, Zuko and Sokka's tasks, the old friends exchanged scarcely more than a word until they sat down for their meal. There was a long table that stretched at the head of the room in a vast runway of food. At the center was placed the Avatar's entourage, plus Hakoda and Bato who had made the long trip from the South Pole specifically for the occasion. Sokka's sister and father flanked the man of the hour, Bato then beside Katara, and Zuko on the other side of Hakoda.

If there were any who found it strange that the Fire Lord did not claim the central seat, they kept their murmurs to themselves and Zuko was glad of it. This was Sokka's day, his turn to weather the attention and the stares and the non-stop attempts at small talk from people who knew him only by casual acquaintance or reputation. Zuko was more than happy to take his place beside Sokka's father and offer the older man the nearest pitcher of drink.

There was plenty of wine to go around, accenting perfectly the long-toiled-over delicacies that composed the elaborate and many-coursed meal. Not out of the ordinary, the Avatar offered an amusing display of his bending that earned laughter from the assembled audience. Hakoda's rumbling chuckle reached Zuko's ears as Aang stood on his chair and drew variously-colored orbs of drink from the carafes around the table and juggled them momentarily. Then to mirthful laughter and with an almost devious grin, he directed the drinks to Sokka's mouth rapid fire until the guest of honor was gasping for breath with the last gulp. There was applause as Sokka wiped his mouth.

"Who would have imagined such a celebration for a boy with such humble beginnings?" Hakoda remarked, clearly aimed at Zuko but without a glance to follow it.

It had been nearly a year into their secretive courtship that Katara had convinced her brother to share with their father just what he was keeping under wraps. During a long visit to the South Pole, after much coaching and second guessing and panicking, the ambassador managed to work up the courage to tell his father why he hadn't brought home a lady friend for a few years. Sokka expressed upon his return to the palace that the news had been difficult for the Chief but that ultimately, he'd expressed his understanding and his infallible love for his son. He'd also given Sokka his word for their discretion and since then, Hakoda's path had crossed Zuko's a few times and he was never anything short of polite and kind.

"The son of celebrated Chief Hakoda of the Southern Water Tribe?" Zuko confirmed, his eyes too, on Aang and Sokka's shared display. "Humble in upbringing, perhaps, but not in importance."

Again, Zuko heard the older man's chuckle. "It's easy to see why he's so happy here."

"I'm glad to hear you say that." Now, Zuko did turn to find Hakoda's profile, a genuine smile joining his words. "The Fire Nation has been fortunate to have his intelligence and guidance during for the last five years."

Hakoda returned his smile, warmth evident in his blue eyes. Zuko noticed that they were beginning to crinkle faintly at the edges. "I'm glad to hear you say that," Hakoda answered. "And I can't say I mind partaking of my son's job perks." He lifted his glass to the Fire Lord.

"Nor do I mind the excuse to spoil my friends and their families. " Zuko raised his own glass in exchange, taking a sip before allowing himself a sigh of something like contentment. "You know," he began again, his manner a bit more casual. "I used to hate functions like this. When I was young? Bored me to tears. But now that I get to throw them myself? I find that I actually enjoy them."

At this, Hakoda laughed full and deep. "No matter how well-groomed or perfectly royal he is, a boy is still a boy. I used to hide behind a wall hanging and fall asleep at village gatherings. But when the weight of your nation is on your shoulders, such celebrations are vital for the sanity of their leader."

"Mm." Zuko nodded, a pleased sort of warmth settling into his stomach. Though he may not have been able to admit it aloud, the approval of this man, Sokka's father, was immeasurably important to him. "Yes, exactly. For the citizens as well. Even the children who find it all terribly dull. I think it's important for them to see their parents as people, outside of the stresses of politics and the day-to-day."

There was a hum of agreement, a quiet smile on the Chief's face as he contemplated his wine glass for a moment. "There certainly is an important balance to maintain. It seems as though you've learned that well in your reign thus far." He grinned a little and Zuko could see Sokka in it, could imagine that at a younger age he must have bore a great resemblance to his son. "Katara's told me about your impressing that upon Sokka, what with his tendency to... overexert himself. I suppose today is a fine example."

"I'll tell you," Zuko began, setting aside his glass to gesture helplessly. "Sometimes the only way I can pry him away from his desk is with a plate of real seal jerky, and I may need to beg a favor from you. We're nearly out of he stuff!"

Another laugh. "I'm impressed enough that you were able to import sea prunes! Where have you been getting seal jerky? Delicacies from the south aren't generally sought after world wide."

"Unfortunately, the favors your son once pulled with the Southern Earth Kingdom traders have triggered a surge of popularity for foreign foods around the palace. My cook will only serve polarshark meat if it's been imported and the staffs' children fight over ice berries instead of fire flakes!"

"Another great sign of the changing world," Hakoda reveled pleasantly. "Although, I'm sure your people had no idea what they were missing. Apparently, neither did our economy."

"I welcome such changes," Zuko agreed, feeling and fighting the urge to clap Hakoda's shoulder companionably. Even for the Lord of the Fire Nation, such casual intimacies couldn't be assumed. In truth, there was still a part of him that remembered being a younger boy and Hakoda's age and experience were still just a little intimidating. To say nothing of the fact that Zuko was sleeping regularly with his only son.

Over the meal, a speech was demanded of Sokka and he demonstrated eloquently his improvement in public speaking since his awkward and somewhat shy teenage years when he attempted to direct the invasion of the impossibly powerful Fire Nation. He demonstrated considerably more wisdom than he donned in every day life, in the comfort of Zuko's company where he still held to a part of that goofy teenager. In that moment though, he was truly a dignitary and spoke eloquently of change and peace. He graciously thanked his guests for their attendance and the friendships that had been formed as those assembled had worked toward guiding the world into this new era. He further thanked Zuko publicly for his kindness that night and proclaimed his joy that the nations were beginning to reflect the friendship shared between two men who had once been two boys with bitter hatred for one another.

Zuko was the first to stand, to offer his glass in toast and the rest of the room followed, a roaring cheer filling the space, as those assembled honored the young ambassador. The Fire Lord's speech was shorter, echoed Sokka's hopes and joys, urging him to enjoy all the hard to get food they'd prepared for his benefit. "I can't think of any man more qualified, more able, more suited and trustworthy to stand with me --and the Avatar-- in the rebuilding and revitalizing of this Nation and this world. And I hope he never gets tired of the work because I think we spent the entirety of his retirement fund here tonight."

Laughter roared through the room and the high clinking of glasses chased it, murmurs of agreement flowing throughout. Sokka's sister hugged him, his father clapped him proudly on the shoulder and he exchanged affectionate smiles with Zuko.

It was without question, the best birthday Sokka had ever had.

Later, when dinner was over, the guests retired to mill about the high-ceilinged event room where the drink still flowed and tables of sweets lined the walls. The celebrations continued with music and dancing --a recently reinstated national pastime gaining renewed popularity due to the Avatar's fondness for the activity-- and Sokka was obligated to make more small talk than he could remember participating in for years. It was hours later, past midnight, that Zuko found Sokka wandering and offered him both a smile and a friendly handclasp. "I'm going to slip away soon," he confessed, fingers grazing, lingering on Sokka's pulse. The party's advertised conclusion had passed, but it was expected that guests would linger for one last congratulatory conversation, one more pastry, one more sip of wine.

Briefly, Sokka's eyes glittered at this bit of information but then he yawned, seeming positively exhausted. "I'll probably hit the sack soon too... I'm wiped out. And I've got a meeting in the morning. Guess I should start making the last round."

"Reschedule your meeting," Zuko chided gently, letting his hand fall away from the touch that might have lasted just a bit too long. "It's your birthday. Sleep in."

"Mm." Sokka nodded thoughtfully, then arched a brow just a bit when he said, "See you in the morning."

"It's already morning," Zuko argued cheerfully, not yet letting Sokka move away. "But yes," he continued, laughing just a little, to any observer seeming to enjoy his ambassador's known sense of humor. "I'll see you then." Zuko innocently mirrored the look he'd been given, adding a faint smirk to the raise of brow.

Sokka could not make his final round fast enough, bidding good nights and thank yous to the remaining guests which were quickly thinning. The Avatar's entourage had already gone to bed and Sokka was the last remaining. Finally the evening was complete and he slipped away, making sure not to hurry too much when he made his way up flights of stairs to the Fire Lord's chambers. The posted guard didn't give him a second glance -- after many years of living in the palace, even before their friendship had gained its new level, it was well accepted that Sokka called on and spent time with Zuko at all hours of the night. Whether it was for work or advice or chatting or a spontaneous late-night spar. The door clicking behind him was an intensely satisfying sound and he tip-toed toward Zuko's bedroom.

"Zukooo~" he sing-songed. "I'm here to unwrap my present..."

"In here," came the voice echoing from stone tiles as Sokka stepped into the empty bedroom. When he poked his head into the large private bathing room, he found Zuko, arms draped over the edge of a wide porcelain tub, hair dripping and a lazy smile on his heat-flushed lips. "I'm afraid I've already unwrapped your present," he apologized, "but if you hand me that robe by the door, we can try again." He hadn't meant Sokka to find him in the bath, but the hot water had been such a welcome relaxation that he'd lost track of the time.

For a moment, Sokka only leaned against the door frame with a grin, clearly taking in the view before he moved back into action. He got Zuko a towel and watched with dry off before sliding the silk around the Fire Lord's shoulders. Hands smoothed down Zuko's sides over the soft, deep-red material reverently and a kiss was pressed to bath-hot skin at the nape of his neck. "Mm, I don't mind having a little less work before I get to play with my present..."

"Mm," Zuko agreed, teasing in the quirk of his mouth as he leaned back into Sokka's frame. "Especially since you're so terribly wiped out."

"Hey, I know what to say to get out of obligations," Sokka protested. "I'm plenty awake. Also, I made up the thing about the meeting in the morning."

Zuko laughed at this, turning his jaw to place a kiss --just a little awkwardly-- at Sokka's chin. "Well, it was a convincing story. You fooled me!" Then he was stepping away, stooping to let the water out of the tub and then stretching as he wandered past the younger man, footsteps somehow simultaneously lazy and suggestive. "So... since you don't have anywhere to be in the morning," he began, moving back to the bedroom, glancing over his shoulder to make sure Sokka followed, "Tell me what you'd like for your birthday."

And follow he did, tugging at the clasps of his formal robes as he went so that by the time they were in the dim lamplight of the bedroom, he was peeling the fine silk away to toss the garments onto a chair. He was less concerned with the trousers that remained and more concerned with getting his hands on Zuko. "I'd rather show you," he purred. And with an uncharacteristic sort of grace, he caught Zuko's elbow and turned him, instantly catching the warm, pale curve of Zuko's jaw in his hands and pressed their lips together in a kiss. The embrace spoke of the anticipation that he'd experienced all evening, murmured of the longing to kiss or touch without concern, but also acknowledged the time they now had and the appreciation that belied any urgency he might have been experiencing. Instead it was merely deep and slow and satisfied.

And with this, Zuko was more than fine. He let Sokka lead him to his bed --their bed now, more often than not-- and let the other lay him out, head on the pillows where his damp hair darkened the deep blue of the sheets, already turned back, waiting. He reached for the other man, pale fingers playing over the firm muscle and black ink of his tattooed chest, coaxing him close, to kiss again. The young ambassador had shaved for the occasion, but Zuko could still feel the hint of stubble, the scruff he knew that Sokka would allow to grow in again, proud of the faintly roguish, older look he said it gave him. The Fire Lord laughed, but secretly agreed that it suited him. Now his fingers slid over bare skin and he couldn't help a smile. "Tonight," he breathed, "I'm yours. Whatever you want."

Sokka hummed his bliss and lips brushed just so as he hovered over the other man. Hands worn by sword and softened by ink brushed over the white marble of throat and chest and parted the curtain of silk to allow him further closeness with that perfect body that he knew so well. That he anticipated so much when things got busy and days were forced to pass without an intimate touch. The body that he never failed to excite him with its alternating silky smoothness and taught, firm muscle. His own skin shivered with anticipation of the warmth of a firebender's palms, of the taste of his mouth that was just the faintest bit reminiscent of smoke. Even the roughness of his scar, the texture under his right hand when he cupped Zuko's face again to kiss him -- even this was familiar and comforting and never gave him second thought when his fingers might trail there. Just another part of the body that on other nights, he had whispered that he loved every part.

Tonight though, Sokka seemed less concerned with words and more interested in silencing his lips with kisses and shared breaths. His words were instead delighted sighs and murmurs of the other's name as the last of their clothing fell from the bed and silky sheets instead embraced them.

It wasn't often that they were allowed the time to explore, slow and careful, drinking it all in without the stresses of an impending meeting or the risk of being interrupted. Now that they had the chance, Zuko was taking full advantage, enjoying the attention, the touches they shared. The candles flickered brighter or dimmed with the rhythm of his breath and though there was no hurry, it wasn't long before their intimacy moved past the simple enjoyment of each other's presence.

Kisses chased flickers of candlelight across skin, then hummed between lips. Fingers gripped and danced and stroked as bodies slid and moved together, everything deliciously slow and languid. Breaths mingled in slow pants between kisses, peppered with whispers and moans. Sokka's lips tasted of salt when he kissed the sweat from Zuko's brow, the other's pleasure as much a gift as the pleasure he provided to Sokka's own body. Silk and heat, taste and smell and sweat, the longing of their bodies and the tension building a slow but roiling boil -- these things steamed away anything that might exist outside the Fire Lord's chamber and filtered out anything but gratitude and safety. The dark and the sheets and the candles and the warm air wove together in a cocoon of pleasure and desire, satisfied utterly even before satisfaction.

As that pleasure bore down on them though, the world they'd created in this space curling tighter around them and narrowing to only sensation, Sokka's voice breathed across Zuko's lips. Brow to brow and fingers buried in dark, damp hair, sweat slippery and hot between them. "I love you..." And his voice trembled with exertion and bodily delight and the power of what they shared.

It was almost frightening for Zuko to admit how much power those words on Sokka's lips had over him, the way that simple murmur sent heat searing across his skin, fire roiling in his belly, made him want to laugh and cry and most of all take Sokka in his arms and hold him tight enough to break bones. He wanted the feeling and the surge of pleasure it rode to last longer, all night if it was possible, but he wanted just as much to give into it now, to arch into Sokka's body until his own spine snapped and left him spent and boneless, utterly satisfied. He struck a compromise then, took a breath and held out just a little longer, just enough to feel his skin prickle and his thighs burn, to forget how properly to breathe, to stay like this, just another minute more. "I love you too," he gasped, no voice to the words, yet no less feeling behind them. "Sokka."

It was, fortunate or as unfortunate as it might be, impossible however to stave off forever and it wasn't long before pleasure won out over self control. It was with digging nails and gasping breaths, with shaking muscles and whispers of names that they gave in. Sokka fell prey first, his face nuzzled tight in the curve of Zuko's neck, letting heated skin sear his own. The bender's name was on his lips in a hiss that matched the heat of the paler body, shaking with complete loss of control as Zuko's power stole through him completely, undoing him. Zuko followed closely, unable to deny the effect that Sokka had over him-- shaking and giving voice to his pleasure, pressing Zuko tight to the mattress. It was overwhelming, perfect, a completion that lasted long enough for another gasp of breath, for his fingers to tighten on Sokka's hips again, harder, holding them together, forgetting for one sweet moment what it felt like to feel only his own body.

Finally they crashed together, tangled and remembering how to breathe. Sweaty and utterly exhausted, Sokka groped for the warmth of Zuko's frame, tangling them yet further together. Only moments later, when reality started to seep back at the edges of his vision did he reel Zuko in for a deep, blissful kiss with a moan melted between the other's hot lips.

"Happy birthday," Zuko sighed, when the energy to speak returned and the strength to do much else --aside from curling up with arm and leg wrapped around Sokka's frame-- had left him. "Hope you liked it," he added, and felt only a little goofy for the hopeful note audible in his words.

"The best ever," Sokka grinned in response, stroking Zuko's cheek with a thumb as their noses rubbed. "Thank you."

"Mm," Zuko agreed, letting his eyes close with Sokka's attention, relaxation and pleasant exhaustion tugging at his limbs. "I think I know what I want for my birthday now."

A quiet laugh huffed between them, as one melting to the plush mattress and pillows. Rather half heartedly, Sokka tucked the blankets around them, an arm curling around Zuko's shoulder as they settled in to something more comfortable. Sleep was already making his lids heavy as he nuzzled into Zuko's damp hair with a final blissful sigh. "We can practice every day until then in the meantime."

"You really always do have the best ideas." One last kiss to Sokka's collar, one more stroke of Zuko's fingers through his hair and then the candle flames dimmed, dimmed, dimmed and went dark. "Goodnight, Ambassador."

Sokka curled his arm just a little tighter around the other, breathed deep and let exhaustion pull his eyes closed. "Goodnight, Fire Lord Zuko," he murmured back. And then the room, inky with darkness that cooled around them, was perfectly still and silent.